With 57 emotions and feelings starting with the letter S, this complete list covers a wide range of human experiences, from common states like Sadness and Sympathy to more unique feelings such as Sonder and Sanguineness. These emotions come from many backgrounds, including psychology, everyday life, and even cultural concepts, showing how diverse and rich our emotional world is when looking just at one letter of the alphabet.
Explore this detailed table to understand each emotion better, learn clear definitions, see practical example sentences, and read thoughtful descriptions that explain their meaning and impact.
Type This column tells you what kind of emotional experience each word represents. It could be an emotion, feeling, trait, mood, or state. Knowing the type helps you understand how the word fits into human psychology and everyday use.
Definition Here you will find a simple, clear meaning of each emotion or feeling. The definitions focus on widely recognized understandings to give you a quick grasp of what each term stands for.
Example Usage This section provides a short, real-world sentence showing how the emotion is used. Examples make it easier to connect the word to a situation, helping you see how it applies in life.
Descripción The description offers a deeper explanation of the emotion’s importance, effects, and nuances. It often includes insight into why the emotion matters and how it influences human behavior or thought, adding valuable context to each entry.
Emotions that start with S
| Emotions | Type | Definition | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sadness | Emotion | A feeling of sorrow; unhappiness. | A wave of profound sadness washed over her as she remembered the lost pet. |
| Safety | State | The condition of being protected from or unlikely to cause danger, risk, or injury; a feeling of security. | The child felt a deep sense of safety when held by their parents. |
| Sanguineness | Disposition | Optimism or positive expectation, especially in a difficult situation. | Despite the challenges, her sanguineness allowed her to believe in a successful outcome. |
| Satisfaction | Feeling | The feeling of pleasure or contentment derived from an accomplishment or fulfillment of a desire. | Completing the difficult project brought him immense satisfaction. |
| Scorn | Emotion | A feeling of contempt or disdain for someone or something considered worthless or despicable. | He looked at the politician with utter scorn after hearing the deceitful speech. |
| Schadenfreude | Emotion | Pleasure derived from another person’s misfortune. | A secret sense of schadenfreude crept in as she heard about her rival’s failure. |
| Security | Feeling | The state of feeling safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. | Financial stability gave her a strong sense of security about her future. |
| Self-assurance | Trait | Confidence in one’s own abilities or judgment. | Her self-assurance shone through as she confidently presented her ideas to the committee. |
| Self-compassion | Feeling | Kindness and understanding towards oneself in moments of suffering, failure, or inadequacy. | Practicing self-compassion helped her overcome the shame of her mistakes. |
| Self-consciousness | State | A feeling of acute awareness of oneself and one’s actions, often leading to discomfort or awkwardness. | He felt a sudden wave of self-consciousness when everyone stared at his new haircut. |
| Self-confidence | Trait | A feeling of trust in one’s abilities, qualities, and judgment. | With newfound self-confidence, she took on challenges she once feared. |
| Self-doubt | Feeling | A lack of confidence in oneself and one’s abilities. | Despite her talent, self-doubt often plagued her, preventing her from taking risks. |
| Self-importance | Trait | An exaggerated sense of one’s own importance. | His self-importance made him oblivious to the needs and feelings of others. |
| Self-loathing | Emotion | Intense dislike or hatred of oneself. | Overwhelmed by guilt, she sank into a profound state of self-loathing. |
| Self-pity | Emotion | Excessive, self-indulgent sorrow over one’s own troubles. | He spent the evening wallowing in self-pity after the minor setback. |
| Self-reproach | Emotion | Blame or condemnation of oneself. | A deep sense of self-reproach lingered after his careless mistake. |
| Self-respect | Feeling | Respect for oneself; a sense of one’s own worth and integrity. | She refused to compromise her values, acting always with dignity and self-respect. |
| Self-satisfaction | Feeling | Contentment with one’s own circumstances, qualities, or actions, often to an excessive degree. | His smug self-satisfaction annoyed his colleagues after his small success. |
| Sentimentality | Disposition | Excessive tenderness, nostalgia, or romanticism. | Her grandmother’s old photographs filled her with deep sentimentality. |
| Serenity | State | The state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. | A feeling of profound serenity enveloped her as she meditated by the lake. |
| Shame | Emotion | A painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. | He felt deep shame for his outburst during the meeting. |
| Shock | Emotion | A sudden upsetting or surprising event or experience; a feeling of intense surprise or dismay. | The news of the accident sent a wave of shock through the community. |
| Shyness | Trait | The quality of being reserved or timid in the company of other people. | Her shyness made it difficult for her to speak in large groups. |
| Silliness | Disposition | The quality of being foolish, lighthearted, or playful. | The children’s silliness filled the room with laughter and joy. |
| Simplicity | State | The quality or condition of being easy to understand or do, or of being plain and natural. | She found great peace in the simplicity of her quiet life in the countryside. |
| Sinfulness | Feeling | The quality or state of being sinful; a feeling of having committed a sin. | The guilt-ridden priest confessed his sinfulness to his confessor. |
| Skepticism | Disposition | A doubting or questioning attitude or state of mind. | He regarded the new claims with deep skepticism, demanding evidence. |
| Smugness | Emotion | Excessive satisfaction with oneself or one’s achievements. | His smugness after winning the argument was evident to everyone. |
| Softness | Feeling | The quality of being gentle, delicate, or tender; a feeling of comfort or tenderness. | The softness of the kitten’s fur brought a feeling of warmth to her heart. |
| Solace | Feeling | Comfort or consolation in a time of distress or sadness. | She found solace in her grandmother’s quiet presence after the loss. |
| Solemnity | State | The quality of being formal, serious, and dignified. | A hush fell over the crowd, reflecting the solemnity of the memorial service. |
| Somberness | Mood | The quality of being dark or gloomy in mood or color; seriousness. | A pervasive somberness hung over the town after the tragic news. |
| Sonder | Concept | The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own. | Looking at the bustling city, she felt a profound sense of sonder, imagining the unseen stories unfolding around her. |
| Sorrow | Emotion | A feeling of deep distress caused by loss, disappointment, or other misfortune; grief. | His face was etched with deep sorrow after the farewell. |
| Speechlessness | State | The state of being unable to speak, typically as a result of strong emotion. | She was overcome with speechlessness upon hearing the unexpected news. |
| Spite | Emotion | A desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone. | He acted out of pure spite, intentionally spreading false rumors. |
| Spookiness | Feeling | The quality of being eerie, unsettling, or frightening; a sense of being haunted. | The abandoned house had a palpable spookiness that made them nervous. |
| Stagnation | State | The state of not flowing or developing; a lack of activity, growth, or progress. | He felt a sense of emotional stagnation in his unchanging routine. |
| Startlement | Emotion | A sudden shock or surprise. | The loud thunder caused a moment of startlement in the quiet room. |
| Steadiness | Trait | The quality of being regular and even; not subject to sudden change. | Her emotional steadiness was a comfort to her volatile partner. |
| Stimulation | Feeling | The action of arousing interest, excitement, or activity. | The lively debate provided intellectual stimulation for everyone present. |
| Stress | Emotion | A state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. | The upcoming exams caused her immense stress and anxiety. |
| Strength | Trait | The quality or state of being physically strong or mentally resilient. | She drew on her inner strength to face the daunting challenge. |
| Stupefaction | Emotion | The state of being astonished and bewildered. | He looked at the magic trick in utter stupefaction, unable to comprehend it. |
| Sublimity | Feeling | The quality of being grand, magnificent, or awe-inspiring. | The vastness of the cosmos filled him with a sense of sublimity. |
| Submissiveness | Trait | The quality of being ready to conform to the authority or will of others; meek obedience. | His submissiveness made him easily manipulated by stronger personalities. |
| Suffering | Feeling | The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. | The entire community shared in the suffering caused by the natural disaster. |
| Suffocation | Feeling | A feeling of being trapped or overwhelmed, as if deprived of freedom or space. | She felt emotional suffocation in the stifling relationship. |
| Sulkiness | Mood | The state of being silently resentful or ill-humored. | His sulkiness after the argument lasted for hours. |
| Sullenness | Mood | The quality of being bad-tempered and sulky; gloomy. | A cloud of sullenness settled over the team after their defeat. |
| Superiority | Feeling | The state of being superior; a feeling of being better than others. | He carried himself with an air of superiority, looking down on his peers. |
| Supplication | Feeling | The action of asking or begging for something earnestly or humbly; a feeling of humble plea. | In a moment of despair, her supplication was a desperate plea for help. |
| Surprise | Emotion | An unexpected or astonishing event, fact, or thing; a feeling of mild astonishment or shock. | Her face registered pure surprise when she saw the unexpected gift. |
| Surrender | Feeling | The act of giving up control or possession to another; a feeling of yielding. | She felt a sense of peace upon her surrender to the flow of life. |
| Suspense | Feeling | A state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen. | The audience was gripped by suspense as the detective approached the suspect. |
| Suspicion | Emotion | A feeling or belief that someone is guilty of an illegal or dishonest act without proof; a feeling of distrust. | His shifty eyes immediately aroused her suspicion. |
| Sympathy | Emotion | Feelings of pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune. | He expressed deep sympathy for the family’s loss. |
Descriptions
Sadness
Sadness is a fundamental human emotion often experienced in response to loss, disappointment, or grief. It’s a natural part of life, prompting introspection and sometimes a need for comfort. While unpleasant, it can foster empathy and personal growth, reminding us of what we value.
Safety
Safety is a fundamental human need, generating a feeling of security and well-being. It’s the absence of threat, allowing for peace of mind and comfort. When we feel safe, we are better able to relax and thrive, both physically and emotionally.
Sanguineness
Sanguineness describes a cheerful, optimistic disposition, especially in the face of difficulties. It’s a hopeful outlook that anticipates positive results, often reflecting a warm, confident temperament. This emotional state helps individuals persevere and find motivation, even when circumstances are challenging.
Satisfaction
Satisfaction is the pleasant feeling of contentment or fulfillment, often arising from achieving a goal or meeting a desire. It signifies a sense of well-being and completeness, providing a positive emotional reward that encourages further effort and personal growth.
Scorn
Scorn is an intense feeling of contempt or disdain towards someone or something deemed worthless, inferior, or despicable. It’s often accompanied by a dismissive attitude, reflecting a strong negative judgment and a sense of superiority over the object of scorn.
Schadenfreude
Schadenfreude is the complex emotion of experiencing pleasure or satisfaction from another person’s misfortune, failure, or suffering. While often considered a morally ambiguous feeling, it’s a recognized part of human psychology, sometimes arising from envy or a sense of justice.
Security
Security, as an emotion, refers to the profound feeling of being safe, stable, and free from fear or anxiety. It’s a sense of reassurance and predictability that allows individuals to relax and thrive, knowing their well-being is protected.
Self-assurance
Self-assurance is the quiet confidence in one’s own abilities, judgment, and character. It’s a stable and positive self-perception, enabling individuals to act decisively and face challenges without excessive doubt. This inner strength fosters resilience and effectiveness.
Self-compassion
Self-compassion is the practice of treating oneself with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, especially during moments of perceived failure or suffering. It involves recognizing one’s humanity and imperfections without harsh self-criticism, fostering emotional resilience and well-being.
Self-consciousness
Self-consciousness is an acute awareness of oneself, often leading to discomfort, anxiety, or shyness, particularly concerning one’s appearance or actions in social situations. It can hinder natural expression, making individuals feel scrutinized and exposed.
Self-confidence
Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one’s own abilities, qualities, and judgment. It’s a positive belief in oneself that empowers individuals to take risks, face challenges, and persevere through setbacks, contributing significantly to personal and professional success.
Self-doubt
Self-doubt is a pervasive feeling of uncertainty about one’s own abilities, decisions, or worth. It can undermine confidence, lead to hesitation, and prevent individuals from pursuing goals, even when they possess the necessary skills. Overcoming it is crucial for growth.
Self-importance
Self-importance is an exaggerated or inflated sense of one’s own significance, often leading to an arrogant or conceited demeanor. It can manifest as a belief in one’s superiority, causing individuals to prioritize their own needs and opinions over others.
Self-loathing
Self-loathing is an intense and pervasive feeling of hatred or disgust directed towards oneself. It’s a profoundly negative emotional state, often rooted in past trauma or perceived failures, leading to severe self-criticism and a diminished sense of worth.
Self-pity
Self-pity is the emotion of excessive and self-indulgent sorrow or grief over one’s own troubles, often without considering the difficulties of others. It can be a destructive emotion that prevents individuals from taking action or finding solutions to their problems.
Self-reproach
Self-reproach is the act or feeling of blaming or condemning oneself for a fault, mistake, or perceived inadequacy. It’s an internal criticism that arises from guilt or regret, often prompting individuals to reflect on their actions and seek personal improvement.
Self-respect
Self-respect is a foundational feeling of esteem and regard for oneself, acknowledging one’s own worth, integrity, and dignity. It empowers individuals to set boundaries, uphold values, and pursue what truly matters, fostering overall emotional well-being and resilience.
Self-satisfaction
Self-satisfaction is a feeling of contentment with oneself, one’s actions, or one’s achievements. While a healthy amount is positive, excessive self-satisfaction can lead to smugness or complacency, hindering further growth and potentially alienating others.
Sentimentality
Sentimentality is a disposition characterized by excessive tenderness, nostalgia, or romanticism, often easily moved by emotional situations. It involves an inclination to dwell on feelings and evoke tender emotions, sometimes leading to an overly emotional or nostalgic perspective.
Serenity
Serenity is a profound state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. It’s an inner stillness that transcends external disturbances, bringing emotional quietude and mental clarity. Achieving serenity is often a goal in practices promoting mindfulness and well-being.
Shame
Shame is a powerful and painful emotion of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. It’s a deep-seated feeling that one is inherently flawed or unworthy, often leading to withdrawal and secrecy, impacting self-worth profoundly.
Shock
Shock, as an emotion, is an intense feeling of surprise, dismay, or distress caused by a sudden, unexpected, or upsetting event. It can manifest physically and mentally, leaving one momentarily stunned and unable to process the situation clearly.
Shyness
Shyness is a trait characterized by a feeling of apprehension, discomfort, or inhibition in social situations, often leading to reserved or timid behavior. It can stem from self-consciousness or fear of negative judgment, making social interaction challenging.
Silliness
Silliness describes a state of lighthearted foolishness or playfulness, often expressed through humor, absurd actions, or carefree behavior. It’s an emotion that can foster joy and connection, allowing for a temporary escape from seriousness and embracing spontaneous amusement.
Simplicity
Simplicity, while not an emotion itself, often evokes feelings of peace, contentment, or calm. It refers to a state or quality of being uncomplicated, unpretentious, or easy to understand, reducing complexity and fostering a sense of ease.
Sinfulness
Sinfulness refers to the state of having committed a sin or being morally corrupt. As a feeling, it’s often accompanied by guilt, remorse, or shame, arising from the perception of having violated moral or religious principles.
Skepticism
Skepticism is a doubting or questioning attitude, especially towards widely accepted beliefs or claims, requiring evidence before acceptance. While not an emotion itself, it’s a mental disposition that can lead to feelings of uncertainty or distrust, prompting critical analysis.
Smugness
Smugness is an excessive and often irritating feeling of self-satisfaction and superiority, particularly concerning one’s own achievements or cleverness. It’s a form of overconfidence that can appear arrogant and dismissive of others’ feelings or opinions.
Softness
Softness, while primarily a tactile quality, can evoke a feeling of tenderness, comfort, or gentleness. Emotionally, it relates to a yielding, mild, or compassionate disposition, inspiring warmth, vulnerability, and a sense of calm.
Solace
Solace is the feeling of comfort or consolation experienced in a time of distress, sadness, or grief. It provides a sense of relief and hope, helping individuals cope with pain and find peace amidst difficult circumstances.
Solemnity
Solemnity describes a state of serious dignity, formality, and deep sincerity, often associated with important or reverent occasions. While not an emotion, it evokes feelings of respect, gravity, and reverence, emphasizing the significance of a moment.
Somberness
Somberness refers to a deeply serious, gloomy, or melancholic mood or atmosphere. It’s a feeling of subdued sadness or gravity, often associated with unfortunate events or introspective moments, leading to a quiet and thoughtful demeanor.
Sonder
Sonder is a unique emotional realization that every stranger has an intricate life story, just as complex and vivid as our own. It’s an expansive feeling that connects us to humanity, fostering empathy and a sense of shared experience, making the world feel simultaneously vast and interconnected.
Sorrow
Sorrow is a profound emotion of deep distress, sadness, or grief, typically caused by loss, disappointment, or misfortune. It’s a more intense and prolonged form of sadness, often accompanied by pain and a feeling of heavy burden.
Speechlessness
Speechlessness is the state of being temporarily unable to speak, usually due to intense emotion such as shock, surprise, awe, or profound grief. It’s an involuntary reaction where words fail to express the magnitude of one’s feelings.
Spite
Spite is a malicious desire to hurt, annoy, or offend someone, often arising from resentment or revenge. It’s a negative and destructive emotion that fuels actions intended to cause discomfort or harm to another person.
Spookiness
Spookiness is the quality of being eerie, unsettling, or frightening, often associated with supernatural elements or mysterious circumstances. It evokes feelings of mild fear, apprehension, and curiosity, creating an atmosphere of the unknown and the uncanny.
Stagnation
Stagnation, while primarily a state of lack of growth or development, can evoke feelings of frustration, boredom, or a lack of purpose. It describes a static emotional or personal condition where progress has ceased, leading to a sense of being stuck.
Startlement
Startlement is a sudden, brief feeling of shock or surprise, often triggered by an unexpected noise, movement, or event. It’s an immediate, involuntary emotional and physical reaction that quickly subsides once the initial surprise passes.
Steadiness
Steadiness refers to the quality of being firm, stable, and consistent, both physically and emotionally. As a trait, emotional steadiness means maintaining a calm and unwavering demeanor, not prone to sudden mood swings or impulsive reactions, providing reliability.
Stimulation
Stimulation, as a feeling, describes a state of heightened interest, excitement, or mental arousal. It’s the sensation of being energized and engaged, often sought through new experiences, challenges, or intellectual pursuits, preventing boredom and encouraging activity.
Stress
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain or tension resulting from adverse or demanding circumstances. It’s a common human emotion characterized by feelings of overwhelm, worry, and pressure, often impacting both mental and physical well-being.
Strength
Strength, as an emotional attribute, refers to mental or moral power and resilience in the face of adversity. It’s a feeling of inner fortitude, enabling individuals to withstand hardship, overcome obstacles, and maintain composure under pressure.
Stupefaction
Stupefaction is a state of extreme astonishment, shock, or bewilderment, rendering one unable to think clearly or react. It’s an overwhelming feeling that leaves an individual stunned and mentally paralyzed, often arising from something utterly baffling or unexpected.
Sublimity
Sublimity refers to the quality of being grand, magnificent, or awe-inspiring, often evoking feelings of profound wonder, reverence, and a sense of being overwhelmed by something vast or immense. It transcends ordinary beauty, stirring deep emotional and intellectual responses.
Submissiveness
Submissiveness is a trait characterized by a readiness to yield to the authority or will of others, often resulting in meek or obedient behavior. While not an emotion itself, it can stem from fear, insecurity, or a desire for peace, influencing emotional dynamics.
Suffering
Suffering is a profound emotional and physical state of experiencing pain, distress, or hardship. It encompasses a wide range of negative feelings, from physical agony to deep emotional anguish, often arising from loss, illness, or trauma, and affecting overall well-being.
Suffocation
Suffocation, beyond its physical meaning, can describe an intense emotional feeling of being trapped, overwhelmed, or smothered, as if one’s freedom or identity is being suppressed. It evokes distress and a desperate need for escape or space.
Sulkiness
Sulkiness is a mood or disposition characterized by being silently resentful, ill-humored, or withdrawn, often in response to a perceived slight or disappointment. It involves brooding and refusing to communicate openly, reflecting unexpressed anger or frustration.
Sullenness
Sullenness describes a mood of persistent bad temper, gloominess, and ill-humor, often accompanied by silent resentment or brooding. It’s a more enduring state than simple sulkiness, reflecting a deep-seated unhappiness or annoyance that affects one’s demeanor.
Superiority
Superiority is a feeling or attitude of being better or more important than others. While not an emotion itself, it often fuels emotions like arrogance, pride, or condescension, influencing social interactions and perceived status.
Supplication
Supplication refers to the act of humbly and earnestly asking for something, often from a position of need or reverence. As a feeling, it embodies a deep sense of earnest pleading, dependence, or hopeful entreaty, seeking assistance or mercy.
Surprise
Surprise is a brief but intense emotion caused by an unexpected event, fact, or thing. It can range from mild astonishment to profound shock, often leading to a momentary pause or a sudden reaction as the mind processes the unforeseen.
Surrender
Surrender, as an emotional experience, is the act of yielding control, resisting less, or accepting a situation. It’s a feeling of letting go of struggle or opposition, often leading to peace, acceptance, or vulnerability, allowing for new possibilities.
Suspense
Suspense is a feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what will happen, particularly in a narrative or unfolding situation. It’s an emotional tension that builds anticipation, keeping one on edge, eager to discover the resolution.
Suspicion
Suspicion is a feeling or belief that someone is guilty or that something is amiss, without concrete proof. It’s a sense of distrust or doubt that can lead to cautiousness, vigilance, and a general feeling of unease about others’ intentions or situations.
Sympathy
Sympathy is the emotion of feeling pity and sorrow for someone else’s misfortune, suffering, or hardship. It involves understanding and sharing in another person’s feelings of distress, often leading to a desire to offer comfort or support.